Vic duck dispute goes to trial

The future of some freckled ducks in Victoria looks uncertain as a dispute between animal advocates and the Victorian government over duck hunting in the state's west heads to trial.

Animals Australia on Thursday launched urgent legal action to try to force the state government into closing Lake Toolondo wetland immediately after 18 freckled ducks were killed there during the opening of this year's duck hunting season.

Victorian Supreme Court Justice Kate McMillan on Friday ordered a trial for next week because neither side have come up with a solution to the dispute.

Lyn White from Animals Australia says the government's inaction is killing rare birds.

"It is inconceivable that the government is prepared to put the remaining birds at risk," she said.

The group is happy they will have their day in court but would have preferred action from the government rather than resort to legal action.